"Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him.The Advocate, the holy Spirit that the Father will send in my name--he will teach you everything and remind you of all that (I) told you." John 14:23, 26

The Holy Spirit is given to us not only so that we can remember what Jesus taught, but also to help us "keep his word."

For each of us, that means applying that word in the various environments and situations in which we find ourselves. The great saints are always creative people. Not necessarily artists working with marble or oil paints, but creative in terms of responding to or anticipating the needs of the humanity around them. Often they begin doing things that the rest of us look at as quixotic, idealistic, simplistic, or doomed to fail.

And then they succeed.

Or at least they make a difference in the lives they touch - a difference that is supernatural, as they use the gifts the Holy Spirit has given them so that people experience a glimpse of the healing power, love, providence, and joy of the risen Lord.

Barbara Elliott, one of our Called & GIfted teachers, and a great supporter of the Institute along with her husband, Winston, has written a book of contemporary saints who are making a difference in the inner cities of some of our largest metro areas. I encourage you to visit her website, "Street Saints," (click here) to get a glimpse of the inspiring lives of individuals who are truly living in the Spirit.

Perhaps they may inspire you to respond to a call God has placed in your heart.